US govt provides $1 million for peace

The United States has provided $1,050,000 to the Nepal government for peace building and transitional justice projects to be spent through the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction.

US Ambassador Peter W. Bodde signed a memorandum with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction (MoPR) acknowledging a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF).

During the current life of the NPTF, USAID will support the peace process as a contributor to the Fund and as a participant in the Technical Cooperation Pool for Capacity Development (TC Pool). The U.S. Government is providing $500,000 to the NPTF to support conflict-affected communities, transitional justice, future elections, public infrastructure reconstruction, and other peace commitments, a statement issued by the US embassy said.

As part of the TC Pool, USAID will also hire a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor. The Advisor will serve to strengthen the ongoing work within the Ministry and Peace Fund Secretariat gender units and address gender and inclusion within NPTF programs. USAID’s initial commitment is $550,000 to the TC Pool and $500,000 to the NPTF, for a total contribution to the MoPR of $1,050,000.

Speaking at the ceremony, ambassador Bodde said, “The U.S. Government’s partnership with the Government of Nepal in this effort further demonstrates our commitment to helping the people of Nepal realize the benefits of peace and the promise of prosperity.” He further stated: “We recognize the Ministry’s and the Peace Fund Secretariat’s work to implement the commitments of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord through the Fund’s programming.” nepalnews.com